The Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer, Month by Month

Jaisalmer sits in the Thar Desert, so the season shapes almost every part of a trip: how long you can walk in the fort, how comfortable a camel safari feels and what you need to pack for a night at the dunes.

October to March: the main season

This is the most comfortable time for sightseeing and desert camps. Days are warm and bright, and evenings in camp are pleasant. December and January bring the coolest nights, which can drop close to freezing on the dunes, so a warm jacket matters.

Because this is the busiest period, camps and hotels near Sam fill quickly around Christmas, New Year and long weekends. If your dates fall then, enquire early.

February: the Desert Festival

The Desert Festival is usually held in February around the full moon, with events in Jaisalmer and at Sam. Dates change each year, so confirm the schedule before planning around it. Expect more visitors during the festival days.

April to June: very hot

Afternoons are extremely hot. If you travel now, plan sightseeing for early morning, rest through the middle of the day and head to the dunes only in the late afternoon. Some camps operate on a reduced schedule or close in peak summer.

July to September: monsoon

Rain is light and irregular in Jaisalmer, but humidity rises. Fewer visitors means quieter lanes in the fort. Check which camps are open before you travel.

Our suggestion

For a first visit, aim for October, November, February or March. You get comfortable days, cool evenings and the full desert programme. Read our Sam Sand Dunes guide next, or see sample Jaisalmer tour packages.